Game machine

ABSTRACT

A game machine, including an input part, a control part, a memory part and a display part, displaying a dividend corresponding to the prize in the display part and paying out a predetermined playgame medium when the predetermined prize is achieved based on the information of the memory part, includes a dividend display including a plurality of numerals and a stop mode of a basic sign; and wherein the control part controls to change the display part of the basic sign when the control part displays the dividend with formation of the prize during the game is preformed, and the dividend result is determined based on the stop mode of the basic sign. Therefore, it gives a change to the dividend display part and can enhance the hope for getting high score.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a game machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, the dividend display of a game machine is usually formed fixedly at the upper part of the front panel thereof. For example, an example of a slot machine is disclosed in FIG. 3 of Japanese patent application Laid-Open No. 2002-204855, and the plurality of the dividend tables is displayed on the upper part of the front panel of the slot machine. For the dividend display device, having the dividend tables, of the slot machine, when the symbol on the display screen lies in a prize winning line, one of the horizontal line of the dividend table of the front panel is indicated by lighting. In this embodiment, it suggests to the game player that “dividend display of 2BAR” (second position from a top of the table) is a result of the dividend of the game, for example.

In this way, the conventional game machine is only indicated “BAR” in the dividend table corresponding to the prize winning of the game by lighting so that it is unclear for the game player to judge the dividend result. Since the odds display part (mark “x” of the rate of credit) is fixed especially, it cannot elaborate an idea about the dividend result. Moreover, for the dividend display of sub game, the game player does not understand what formula is used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine which gives a change to a display part at the information about a dividend and improves the hope for getting high score. Also it is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine which allows a game player understand easily the dividend result of games. It is another object of the present invention to provide a game machine that can attain the above-mentioned purpose using an easy expression method. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a game machine which can provide a game player with an exciting fun in a game and make a hope hold in a dividend result into a game until the game stops. It is further object of the present invention to provide a game machine which can tell the game layer what formula is used for the dividend display about the sub game.

The present invention is understood to encompass embodiments which include all or only a portion of the above objects, features and advantages which, unless recited in claims defining the invention, are understood not to limit interpretation of such claims. The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.

It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparent game machine showing a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic explanation view showing contents of sub-games;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the present invention at large;

FIG. 4 is a schematic explanation view showing a main part of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic explanation view of a dividend display part;

FIG. 6 is an explanation view of an example of changing basic signs;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an apparent game machine showing a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an explanation view of other basic signs of the other embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an explanation view showing numbers, basic signs and dividend result into a sub game display part;

FIG. 11 is an explanation view showing numbers, basic signs and dividend result into a main game display part; and

FIG. 12 is an explanation view for details of basic signs which are stored into a memory part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below referring to FIGS. 1 to 12.

(1) General Description of the Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 1 shows an example of a game machine 1 of the present invention The game machine is defined by a slot machine in this embodiment The appearance of the game machine 1 is explained based on FIG. 1.

The reference numeral 2 is a front panel which is attached a main-game display part 3, which is formed in the shape of a rectangle. A plurality of mechanical reels 4 is looked via the main-game display part 3 for example. The reels 4 are provided at backside of the front panel 2. In addition, the reels include symbols which are formed in the outer circumferential part thereof, and they are controlled by a control part and rotate by the driving force of a drive source.

The reference numeral 5 is an upper front panel having a plurality of display parts. One of the display parts is defined by a dividend display part 6 which positions on the upper side of the reel 4 based on the position of the reel 4. The dividend display part 6 shows the result of the dividend, which racked up in a single or multiple games, based on the controlling of a control part 11 which is described later. In addition, the dividend display part 6 may be formed at the front panel 2 or an operation panel 8 which is described later.

The dividend result is related to the display result (combination of a prize winning line L) which is indicated in the display part 3 of the main game or a dividend pattern A of the sub game which is described later. Moreover, the dividend result is determined by the stop mode of one basic sign B which is the essential matter of the present invention. Therefore, the dividend contents of the dividend display part 6 are displayed with the basic sign B based on the controlling of the control part 11.

In addition, the other display parts 7 are provided at the upper part of the dividend display part 6. The upper display part is called “sub-game display part” generally. For the game machine X of the present invention, even though the display part 7 is defined by the main game (first-stepped game), it does not influence the essential matter of the invention.

Moreover, the reference numeral 8 is a panel for operation means provided under the front panel 2 of the central part thereof, and a plurality of operation means 9 with buttons is formed in the operation panel 8. For example, the operation means 9 includes a bet button for one coin, a bet button for two or more coins, a button for credits, a button for payout, a start button for main games, a start button for the sub game, a stop button for the game, etc. The buttons that are mainly related to the present invention are buttons 9 a and 9 b for starting the game. Since stopping the game may be operated automatically, the stop buttons are not the limited requirements for invention In addition, the game machine 1 has appendant fixtures including a coin slot, payoff return or the like.

(2) Starting the Game and Dividend

Here, the starting and dividend for the main game and sub game are simply explained as a matter of convenience of description It is omitted the explanation about details matter (bet, payout and the like, for example).

First, the start of the game is explained. When the button 9 a of the operation means 9 is pushed, the main game begins. On the other hand, when the button 9 b of the operation means 9 is pushed, the sub-game begins. Since a random number generating circuit starts with stating each game in the game machine X of this invention and the display mode of one basic sign can change, the display mode of the basic sign changes, depending on originating in the start of the main-game or the sub game. The concrete example of this invention is described later.

Next, the dividend is explained. When the button 9 a is operated, the reel 4 continues to rotate to the stop signal since an operation signal flows in the control part and the rotation, sound, lamp, etc. of the reel 4 is controlled by the control part as well known. For example, when each reel 4 stops automatically after the predetermined time is spent and each symbol displayed on the prize wiring line L gathers as shown in FIG. 1, the dividend according to the value of wining a prize is given. This dividend is performed via an increase means for the dividend, and the dividend result is displayed on the dividend display part.

Moreover, when the display result of the main game fulfills the predetermined conditions (for example, when the sign for the increase in the dividend comes out), the sub game can start. Then, when the button 9 b is operated, the sub game related to the main game begins. Since the game machine X of this invention is desirably related to the dividend pattern of the sub game, it explains the contents of the sub game. Of course, it is already mentioned above that the game machine X may be related to the display result of the main game.

(3) Contents of the Sub Game

The dividend pattern A that expressed the skyrocket in the game display part 7 appears in FIG. 2(a). The word of “dividend pattern” includes the meaning of a character, a sign, a figure, color, a pattern, etc. and is an expression form which is related to the dividend. In this dividend pattern A, they are the fireworks launched by the night sky. The dividend is related to the kind of fireworks. For example, the large fireworks give “500 points”; the middle fireworks give “100 points”; and the small fireworks give “50 points”. In this way, it gives different dividend that depends on the kinds of fireworks. Then, the control part of the present invention controls during the start of the sub game so as to change the display mode of a basic sign B of a basic sign display area 22.

In FIG. 2(b), the dividend pattern A which is expressed sushi appears in the game display part 7. This dividend pattern A includes nine dishes of sushi in total (sushi appears in the plate). Then, the game player chooses (touch the screen of the game display part, for example) some dividend patterns A (for example, three pieces) and operates the button 9 b after that. This production mode may be expressed suitably. By the way, in the example of the sub game, the touch panel can be defined by the operation means 9 for starting the game in addition to the control lever or the button.

In addition, roulette games, saving games, bingo games, mole hitting games, games that predicts the result of a main game (reference document which is mentioned above) or the like exist as a kind of sub game.

Therefore, the contents of the sub game itself are not the essential matters of the present invention. However, there are the features in this invention that one (this embodiment) or two or more pattern display screens 7 which display the dividend pattern A related to the dividend by the game display part 7 are provided, and the dividend result determined with the basic sign B is related to the dividend pattern A described by the above-mentioned pattern display screen 7.

(4) Electric Circuit

An electronic circuit is comprised mainly of the control part 11 (microcomputer) as shown in FIG. 3, and the dividend result of the main game or sub game is displayed on a dividend result display area 23 of the dividend display part 6 corresponding to the program. In addition, the display content of the dividend result display area 23 can be changed when the game is repeated continuously.

The basic composition of the electronic circuit is explained with reference in FIG. 3. First, a mark is attached to the basic composition, and it explains simply.

The reference numeral 11 is the control part which processes the input signal “a” of the input part 12. The power supply box, which is not illustrated, the dock circuit that outputs the rectangle wave of predetermined frequency or the like connect to the control part 11 electrically as well known. Moreover, a memory part 13 which stored the program required for game processing of the game machine 1 and information required in order to carry out execution processing of this invention is connected to the control part 11 electrically. The information about the basic sign stored in the memory part 13 is mentioned later.

Based on the signal input a of the input part 12, the control part 11 accesses the information on the memory part 13 and gets information from this memory part 13. Then it displays information (dividend pattern, basic sign, number, dividend result, winning a prize, etc.) required for the game on the game display parts 3 and 7 via the display circuit 14.

Since the main game display part 3 shown in FIG. 1 is the reel 4 which rotates mechanically, the control part 11 controls staring and stopping the drive source (stepping motor) for the reel 4 when the main game starts.

Therefore, the control part 11 controls the state of the main game display part 3 based on a detected signal from a detection means, which does not illustrate, to detect the rotation angle position of the reel 4. Moreover, many functions 16 required for the random number generating circuit 15 and the game connect with the control part 11 electrically.

In addition, the functions 16 includes a credit function (integrate number of medals in the memory part), a payout function about the coin(s) (pay coins out of the hopper and emit to the payout opening), a change function (determine whether the game payer chooses credit or payout), a lighting/blinking function, a display circuit control function which controls the display circuit 14 in relation to above mentioned functions or the like. Since the well-known functions 16 required for the game are common sense for one skilled in the art, the detailed explanation is omitted. The payout for playgame medium includes the payout by token including medals, coins and the like and the payout to credit which is integrated in the memory part

(5) Features of the Invention

In reference with FIGS. 3 to 6 of this invention, it is explained the matter about the invention. The game machine X displays the dividend result gotten in the game on the dividend display part 6 formed in the front side thereof based on the controlling of the control part 11. Especially in this embodiment, the dividend result gotten in the sub game is related to the dividend pattern A and one basic sign B which appeared in the sub game display part 7, and it is displayed on the dividend display part 6.

FIG. 5 is the explanation view showing a change of the display mode of the dividend display part 6. The dividend display part 6 shown in the upper square parenthesis in FIG. 5 shows the display mode of the dividend display part 6 before the sub game starts. It is comprised of the number display area 21 for calculating five pieces in total; the basic sign display area 22, with four pieces in total, for displaying one basic sign B located respectively between the number display area 21; and the dividend result display area 23, which indicated by the arrow, which is related to the display areas 21, 22.

Arabic numerals of “5”, “10”, “30”, “10” and “20” are indicated fixedly in order in advance into the numeral display part 21 in this embodiment. In addition, One basic sign B which can change is indicated by the stop in the state “+” of meaning plus. Furthermore, the dividend result display area 23 is a blank. By the way, although the above-mentioned basic sign display area 22 is divided neither by the small square parenthesis nor small “O” mark, the area in this case means the such area between before and after the number display area 21 and 21 which can distinguish the part that the basic sign B exists on the basis of the line of the sight of the game player. Of course, the basic sign display area 22 may be indicated as a square parenthesis or small “O” mark.

On the other hand, the middle and downward square parenthesis 6 in FIG. 5 indicate the display mode of the dividend display part 6 after the game ends. The middle object in FIG. 5 means that the basic sign B between the first number display area “5” and the second number display area “10” changed from “+” to “x” now (it changes on that spot) after the first sub game finished. Therefore, the term of “change” means that “+” does not move to other places.

Next, in the lower part in FIG. 5, the basic sign B between the first number display area “5” and second number display area “10” changed from “x” to “+” now as a result that the second sub game finished, and the basic sign B between the fourth number display area “10” and the fifth number display area “20” changed from “+” to x.

In the description above, a dividend result of “100” and “245” respectively appears in the dividend result display area 23 based on ordinary formula. The first number display area “5” to the fourth number display area “10”, may be bundled with the sign of a parenthesis, and the multiplication of the fifth number display area “20” may be carried out in the second sub game, for example, in order to add special value to the formula in these embodiment (dividend rate ticks up). Then, since the dividend result is set to “1, 100”, it can be given the game player fun.

(6) Change of Display Mode of Basic Sign

The change of the display mode of the basic sign is explained. When the button 9 b for starting the sub game of the operation means 9 is operated, the game start signal “a” is transmitted to the control part 11 (CPU) as shown in FIG. 3. Thereby, the game begins. When the game begins, the control part 11 allows the random number generating circuit 15 start In this embodiment, the starting point b of upper ● is considered as the start time of the game. On the other hand, the stopping point c of lower ● is considered as the end time of the game.

Then, the control part 11 controls so as to change the display mode of the basic sign B of each basic sign display area 22 from the starting point b to the stopping point c during the random number generating circuit 15 is operated (in the game).

The changes mode of the basic sign B is shown in FIG. 6. Firstly, FIG. 6(a) shows that the basic sign B is defined desirably by the sign of “+” which means either addition or multiplication, and it is changing from “+” to “x” or from “x” to “+” in the game. In this case, the sign of “+” shows a rotation system rotated round and round at the spot, for example. In this case, it is indicating so that it is illuminated (shown in “O”) whenever it changes.

FIG. 6(b) shows that the basic sign B defined by the sign of “+” which means either addition or multiplication, and it is a swing system which changes so that the state of “+” and the state of “x” indicate by turns. In this case, it is indicating so that the stopped mode (for example, “+” state) is illuminated finally (shown in “O”).

FIG. 6 (c) shows that the basic sign B is defined by the sign of “+” which means either addition or multiplication, and, the sign of “+” or “x” disappears on the way in the game, and, it finally stops by “+” or “x”. In this case, it is indicating so that it illuminates (shown in “O”) whenever it changes like the mode shown in FIG. 6(a). Therefore, the “changing mode” here is the rotation it turns round and round, swinging by turns or blinking.

In addition, the changing modes shown in FIG. 6(a), (b) and (c) are explained in the basic change so that it may be considered that the change mode allows the lighting move and stop finally as shown in FIG. 6 as the same as the basic changes. In this case, it may be considered not only standing in a row as shown in the above mentioned (a) and (c) but indicating the mode like the above mentioned (b).

Then, the change mode and lighting or change mode, lighting and the changes position (position movement) are combined on the embodiment level in order to work out an elaborate plan.

FIG. 4 shows the essential matter of this invention roughly. The function of the control part 11 may be understood in FIGS. 3 and 4. Especially, the function of the control part 11 which is related to this invention is an increase means 17, which has an addition operator and a multiplication operator which are not illustrated, for the dividend and the random number generating circuit 15.

The increase means 17 outputs the addition signal d or the multiplication signal e to the dividend display part 6 in relation to the dividend pattern A described in the pattern display screen 7 and the stop display mode of the basic sign B. Moreover, as mentioned above, the starting point b (at the start time of the game) of the random number generating circuit 15 and the stopping point c (at the stop time of the game) of this circuit 15 relate to the change time “t” (several seconds to several tens of seconds) of the basic sign B.

That is to say, the dividend result may be determined by the operation time t of the random number generating circuit 15, the numerical information (for example, “5”, “10”, etc.) indicated in the number display area based on dividend pattern A described in the pattern display screen 7 and the stop display mode of the basic sign B, respectively. In addition, the random number generating circuit 15 or the like is repeated for every sub games (every main game when the main game is played) as shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, the dividend result of the game machine X is determined by the stop mode of the basic sign B which means either addition or multiplication at least.

(7) Flow Chart

The flow chart in the embodiment is explained with reference in FIG. 7 briefly. The reference numeral S1 means to shift to the sub game from the main game. The Shifting to the sub game can shift when the predetermined conditions are satisfied. Depending on the examples, the Arabic numerals of “5”, “10”, “30”, “10” and “20”, are indicated one (this embodiment) or more than two numbers in the number display area 21 beforehand in order in relation with winning combination of the main game. Of course, the number may be displayed in the number display domain 21 fixedly beforehand without relating with the winning combination of the main game.

The reference numerals S2 and S3 show the start of the sub game and changes of the basic sign B. When the operation means 9 b is operated, the sub game starts, and the basic sign B changes. Then, for example, fireworks (dividend pattern) explode in the night sky into the sub-game display part 7. The point is changed based on the mode corresponding to the size of the exploded firework A. The sum of points affects the stop mode of the basic sign B.

In the reference numeral S4, it shows the end of the sub game and stop of the basic sign B. The stop of the basic sign B stops simultaneously with the stop of the random number generating circuit Although it stops automatically, it may be operated by the operation means 9. In the reference numeral S5, the dividend is indicated simultaneously with the stop of the basic sign B. The reference numeral S6 shows the operation of the shifting to the main game from the sub game.

In the embodiment of this invention, although it explained that the main game display part 3 is defined by the reel 4 which rotates mechanically, as shown in FIG. 8, the main game display part 3 may be a video type. Moreover, the basic signs B may be characters and figures instead of the sign of “+”. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, even though the first figure B (for example, character) which the idea is defined as the same addition and multiplication changes to the second figure B or the second figure B changes to the first figure, the essential matter of invention is the same.

Since the number in the number display area 21 of the dividend display part is related to the prize-winning mode of the main game, and it also is related to the sub game desirably, the number of the number display area 21 may moves depending on the example.

By the way, although the dividend display part 7 is independently illustrated with other display parts 3 and 7 in this embodiment respectively as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, it is not the essential matter of this invention that on the relation between the purpose and effect of the invention whether the dividend display part 7 is provided from the display parts 3 and 7 independently or it is replaced for the display part 3 or display part 7 (displaying the plurality of the number display area, basic sign display area and dividend result display area into the display part).

Therefore, the essential matter of the invention is to form “first area” and “second area” for calculating in the display part formed in the front part of the game machine; to form one basic sign display area which determines the dividend result between the first and second area; to control to change the display mode of the basic sign in the abovementioned basic sign display area in the game when the game begins by the control part; to determine the dividend result by the stop mode of the basic sign that means either addition or multiplication at least.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment which displays numbers, the basic sign B and the dividend result into the sub game display part 7. In this embodiment, the dividend pattern (fireworks) displayed on the sub game display part 7, the plurality of numbers (five pieces in all) for calculating, one basic sign B (four pieces in all) and the dividend result (110 dividends) are displayed horizontally in series.

The reference numeral 12 shows an embodiment which can display the number, the basic sign B and the dividend result into the main game display part 3. It may be displayed the number, the basic sign B and the dividend result by horizontally in series into the main game display part 3.

The present invention includes the embodiment that the number, the basic sign B and the dividend result are displayed into the main game display part 3 or sub game display part 7.

In addition, for the description which is mentioned above, when the area of “the first area” and “the second area” are defined by the places which can identify the patterns (symbol etc.) of the main or sub games in the display part (for example, 3, 6 and 7) which is formed in the front side of the game machine within the visible range from the game player based on the game player. Therefore, the display about the dividend indicates like each embodiment when the data about the dividend is controlled by the control part.

Finally, FIG. 12 shows the information about the basic sign stored at the memory part 13 briefly. The reference numeral 13 a is defined by the reference data (basic sign); the reference numeral 13 b is defined by the stop mode information on the basic sign B, which is related to the reference data 13 a; and the reference numeral 13 c is defined by random number information. The reference data 13 a is managed per item; the stop mode information 13 b is managed on the dividend level; and the random number information 13 c is called the dividend table and is managed with the random number value (dividend value).

In addition, one basic sign of the reference data 13 a is managed the sign of formula, Dimensional shape, the figures (the character is also included) etc. per item, respectively.

Therefore, when the control part 11 accesses the reference data 13 a of the memory part 13, the sign of “+” of the formula which means either addition or multiplication is accessed in this embodiment, and the basic sign B of the game is specified. Then, when the game is performed, it controls so as to change the display mode of the basic sign “+” as shown in FIG. 6.

Moreover, when the control part 11 displays the dividend with formation of the prize winning during the game is performed, the stop mode of the basic sign B of the dividend result is determined based on the stop mode information 13 b and random number value information 13 c.

Then, the dividend display of the embodiment is used the arrangement which positions the basic sign B between the plurality of numbers and is determined by the stop mode of one basic sign B finally so as to understand the formula about the dividend to the sight of the game player at glance.

This invention is mainly used in the business field of the game machines such as pachinko machines, slot machines or the like.

As set forth above, the advantages of the invention are as follows:

(1) Since the display mode of the basic sign that determines the dividend in the game changes, the improvement in the hope for getting the high score can be ensured the further development. Moreover, since the formula is displayed, it is easy to understand the dividend result of the game.

(2) In the Copernicus-way of inking, since the display mode of one basic sign just change, the purpose of the above-mentioned (1) can be attained using an easy expression form.

(3) When the rotating, swinging or blinking as the display mode of the basic sign is adopted, it is possible to make it the game player excitedly (excitement) until the game stops. Especially, when the change mode and lighting or the change mode, lighting and the change position (position movement) are combined, the idea can greatly be improved.

(4) Moreover, when it applies to the sub game, it can indicate what formula the dividend is processed about the dividend display. 

1-11. (canceled)
 12. A game machine, including an input part, a control part, a memory part and a display part, displaying a dividend corresponding to the prize in the display part and paying out a predetermined playgame machine when the predetermined prize is won based on the information of the memory part, comprising: a dividend display including a plurality of numerals and a stop mode of a basic sign which means either an addition or multiplication; and wherein the control part controls to change the display part of the basic sign when the control part displays the dividend with formation of the prize during the game is performed, and the dividend result is determined based on the stop mode of the basic sign.
 13. A game machine according to claim 12, wherein the display mode of the basic sign changes one of from “+” to “x” and from “x” to “+”.
 14. A game machine according to claim 12, wherein the display mode of the basic sign changes one of from a first figure with the same idea to a second figure with the same idea and from the second figure to the first figure.
 15. A game machine according to claim 12, further comprising: a plurality of number display area which are arranged a given number of pieces having a predetermined space horizontally; and wherein the basic sign is arranged between each number display area corresponding to the given number of pieces of the number display area.
 16. A game machine according to claim 12, further comprising: a pattern display screen which is formed in the front part of the game machine, relating to the dividend, the dividend result which is decided by the basic sign is related to the dividend pattern which is indicated in the pattern display screen.
 17. A game machine according to claim 12, wherein the dividend result is decided by an acting time of a random number generation circuit; a number value information which is indicated in the number display area, based on the dividend pattern indicated in the game display part; and a stop display mode of the basic sign B, respectively.
 18. A game machine according to claim 12, wherein the change of the display mode of the basic sign is one of rotating, swinging and blinking.
 19. A game machine according to claim 12, further comprising means for indicating the change to the changed basic sign additionally to show when the display mode of the basic sign changes.
 20. A game machine according to claim 12, further comprising: a combination among the change mode, lighting and change position (movement of place).
 21. A game machine according to claim 19, further comprising: a combination among the change mode, lighting and change position (movement of place).
 22. A game machine according to claim 12, wherein the game is defined by a sub game, the change of the basic sign is repeated with respect to each sub game and the dividend result is determined by the basic sign.
 23. A game machine according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of the number display area is bracketed off a grouping symbol, and dividend rate is increased. 